2014 Honored Employees

2015 BCSO AWARDS CEREMONY

For the past two years I have had the distinct honor to be part of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and have also had the chance to witness firsthand the many incredible achievements by the remarkable men and women of this agency. Tonight we will be recognizing a number of those incredible accomplishments and throughout the night I think you will hear a resounding theme: Team Player, Teamwork, and Team. It is a theme that I am extremely proud of because it represents absolutely everything your Sheriff’s Office stands for; we are a team. No member is more important. No unit is more important. Together we stand with our community with one mission, to make Brevard County a better place for all!

I would like to start this evening’s event by thanking several people for making tonight possible. First, our Awards Committee who worked so hard to make tonight’s event special for each and every member, our Command Team for all of their guidance and leadership within the agency, and the many family members that attended tonight’s event to show support for their loved ones and for allowing them to be a part of our family. Finally, I would like to thank the incredible members of this agency who are generous, committed, dedicated and second to none!

THE LUCY ROSS AWARD

In 2004, Sergeant Lucy Ross was taken from us as she was responding to a crime scene. Lucy was very special to all of us. One of the ways we celebrate her life is through the recognition of a very special person in the Sheriff’s Office who demonstrates the same qualities as Lucy – qualities such as dedication to the community and the love of children. Beginning in 2005, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office established a very special annual award known as the “Sgt. Lucy Ross Award”.

This year’s recipient has been with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office since 2006. Prior to becoming a Deputy Sheriff, he proudly served in the United States Marine Corp; serving several tours in Iraq and Afghanistan where he saw combat firsthand.

As a member of our Special Victim’s Unit, he began to observe that child victims commonly displayed the same signs of trauma as Combat Veterans, especially as it related to communication. He further observed that when a child is a victim, they are placed into a room with a complete stranger and expected to disclose horrifying acts of violence and abuse that, many times, has been ongoing for years. In response, this year’s recipient then created a concept to introduce a therapy dog during the interview process to reduce stress and fear.

In 2013, “The Qualter Project,” was launched, named in honor of our dear friend Lieutenant Mike Qualter, who spent his career with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office as an advocate for child victims. As a direct result of this unique program, we have seen the disclosure rate of child victims increase from 36 percent to an astounding 82 percent.

Here is just one example of the success:

Agents were once again called to investigate an allegation of child abuse where the young child had failed to disclose any abuse in previous investigations resulting in closed cases due to lack of evidence. Due to the child’s reluctance to speak, the therapy dog team was deployed prior to the interview. The child immediately engaged with the therapy dog and began to communicate with the interviewer. During the forensic interview, the child disclosed the horrific history of abuse. After the interview, the victim drew a picture of the dog and even named her teddy bear she after the dog. The victim’s detailed statements of abuse were used during the suspect’s interview, which resulted in a complete confession and arrest. I am very proud to inform you that the suspect was recently sentenced to 25 years in prison!

As of January 2014, the National Children’s Advocacy Center has completed their own protocols for the use of therapy dogs within the forensic interview process and now has 8 active pilot programs across the country.

It is with great pleasure that I introduce the 2014 Lucy Ross Award recipient, Agent Jessie Holton, who is accompanied by his partner Primus.

Agent Holton has demonstrated a lifetime of commitment and dedication to our community. Through excellence and compassion, he exemplifies the life Lucy represented. It is truly a blessing to know that there are investigators like Jessie who spend every day trying to ensure that no child ever has to live in pain or fear again.

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

Each year the Sheriff’s Office recognizes a citizen who has rendered extraordinary assistance to law enforcement. This year’s recipient is a life-long resident whose philanthropy and community involvement has often gone unrecognized.

This year’s Citizen of the Year is an individual that not only strongly supports our agency, but has demonstrated, on numerous occasions, his compassion for our community. Regardless of the need, this individual has always been there to answer the call and help. From offering to raise funds to renovate “Camp Chance,” to hosting and organizing events, to donating and raising funds for worthy causes such as the Pet Posse and the Brevard County Public Safety Charity, he is always there. This year’s recipient most recently took his commitment to a new level, by committing to pay for the food to feed the animals in our Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Animal Care Centers. Your Citizen of the Year stated it was the least that he could do to help animals who truly deserve a second chance at having a loving home. I always say that it takes a community to protect a community, and this citizen is a true testament of what happens when community leaders take an active role in helping make our community the best in the country! It is my great honor to introduce this year’s “Citizen of the Year,” our dear friend, A.J. Hiers.

PARTNERSHIP AWARD

The Partnership Award is given to a recipient who has consistently demonstrated dedication to strengthening the relationship between the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and our community through loyalty, honor, professionalism and involvement.

This year’s “Sheriff’s Partnership” Award is presented to an individual that truly loves the profession of Law Enforcement, and on most days probably wishes he could afford to take a pay cut and do the job fulltime. He is someone that, without question, understands the importance and value of great partnerships and relationships. He is constantly engaged in supporting our agency as a citizen, business leader and volunteer. Regardless if he volunteers to financially support an initiative, take an active role in a program, or serve as a board member for a not-for-profit, the words partnership and success are synonymous with his commitment to helping. I can’t tell you how many times he has called to partner with us on an important community initiative, but I can tell you with absolute conviction how many times he has said he couldn’t help, and that would be never. He is a man that not only commits to partnering, but goes out and recruits others to join as well. Regardless if it for St. Baldricks, the Brevard County Public Safety Charity, the Reserve and Auxiliary Program, the Jailbreak Adventure Race, or supporting worthy causes, he is standing tall in support. He has even gone as far as supporting the Women’s Center’s “Dude Looks Like a Lady Fundraiser” by dressing like a woman, you heard me right, I said he dresses like a woman to help raise donations and awareness for victims of domestic violence. He personifies the concept of working together as a partner to protect our community and to help those in their time of need. Tonight, it is my honor and privilege to introduce Robert Rose as the 2015 recipient of the Sheriff’s Partnership Award.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

In June 2013, this year’s recipient applied for and became a volunteer with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office as a COP Volunteer. At that time he expressed a deep commitment to the elderly and people suffering from memory related and “at risk” disorders. As a result of his experience, background and desire to serve in this area, he was asked to serve as the Project Lifesaver Coordinator.

The Project Lifesaver program provides law enforcement and rescue personnel with equipment and training to quickly locate and rescue individuals with cognitive disorders who are at constant risk to the life threatening behavior of wandering. Several examples of cognitive disorders included in the program are individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, Autism, and Down syndrome.

This year’s winner quickly embraced this program and began a coordinated effort to gather assets, personnel and donations to ensure the success of the program.

Since January 2014, he has dedicated over 1,000 volunteer hours towards the Project Lifesaver Program. He has increased enrollment in the program by 143%. The program now has 85 permanent residents in Brevard County, an additional 22 clients from out of state who visit the area, and has enrolled 20 “at risk” students from the Brevard County School system.

The Project Lifesaver Program is a donation-based program and our selectee raised almost

$19,000 by partnering with local businesses and has provided numerous low income families with tracking devices for their loved ones. He has been able to provide all Brevard County Sheriff’s Office precincts, the Aviation Unit and all municipal law enforcement partners with tracking antennas and “hands-on” training in the system.

The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office is incredibly proud to announce the 2014 Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Volunteer of the Year, Project Lifesaver Coordinator Joseph Downs.

RESERVE DEPUTY OF THE YEAR

The Reserve Unit is an integral part of our agency’s ability to maintain efficiency and effectiveness while supporting not only the needs of the agency, but the community as well with no additional cost to the taxpayers. The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Reserve Unit is comprised of 73 Civilian, Auxiliary and fully certified Reserve Deputies. The members are all volunteers who unselfishly devote literally thousands of hours each year to assist our agency with its overall mission. Each certified Deputy has attended the Law Enforcement Academy at their own expense and are a major component of our ability to provide so many valued services.

Specifically, the Unit provided over 17,000 hours in support of Patrol, Investigations, Special Event Security, Traffic Control, Aviation, Agriculture/Marine, Mounted Posse activities and DUI Enforcement. All of the services were provided at no cost to the taxpayers and provide an estimated value to the community of approximately $600,000.

I could not be more proud of such an incredible group who are absolutely committed to the safety of Brevard County. The Reserve Unit consists of retired law enforcement and military, lawyers, doctors, dentists, business owners and other professionals. We greatly appreciate everything they do for our agency and community!

This year’s Reserve Deputy of the Year volunteered 671 hours of law enforcement service for our agency during 2014. He participated in the single largest annual number of details ever supported by any Reserve Unit member in the history of the Unit. To fully appreciate the magnitude of our recipient’s accomplishment, each Reserve Unit member is asked to participate in eight special details per year and the previous record for the largest number of details performed in one year by a Reserve Unit member was 26. This year’s recipient almost doubled that number.

The true value of this recipient’s support is not measured solely by his impressive statistical accomplishments. He is known as a cheerful, compassionate, responsive team player who is always a pleasure to work with.

I am very proud to introduce Deputy Phillip Stiffler, the 2014 Reserve Deputy of the Year.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Each year, we identify a unit or group who excelled in their efforts to support the mission of our agency. This year we would like to recognize a number of units who worked seamlessly as a team to accomplish an incredible undertaking.

When the Canaveral Port Authority Commissioners voted to contract with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, our personnel began an unprecedented challenge of preparing with just five months before we would be responsible for providing law enforcement a seaport security services for one of the largest Ports in the world. As a direct result of the hard work and dedication of our team, the safety and security of its visitors, tenants and citizens will be protected by the leadership, resources and abilities of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.

If that challenge weren’t enough, staff members were additionally preparing for another change to take place on the same date. Our Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a proposal for the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office to assume all responsibilities for the Brevard County Animal Services Department, which is responsible for the annual care of over 14,000 animals, as well as enforcing the County’s Animal Codes and all animal impacts on public safety.

Beginning on October 1st, 2014, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office assumed all Law Enforcement and Seaport Security services at Port Canaveral, as well as Animal Services for Brevard County. Members of our agency from virtually every discipline displayed not only exceptional teamwork and commitment, but were incredibly successful at forming the community partnerships, which were essential for success.

For two major entities such as the Port Security and Animal Services to be incorporated into the operations of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, much needed to be accomplished in a very short time period. Entire property inventories and vehicle fleets needed to be reconciled and prepared. State and Federal guidelines regarding seaport and maritime security needed to be understood and trained. Animal shelters needed to be renovated and technology upgraded. Budgets had to be carefully planned. Policies and procedures needed to be written. Schedules needed to be developed. A complete review and rewriting of job assignments and descriptions needed to be accomplished, and over one hundred new employees needed to be recruited, evaluated, hired and trained. All of these tasks are only a portion of the vast scope of work the dedicated members of our agency successfully completed in only a few short months. This was a massive undertaking, but unlike a private corporation, there was no special acquisition team to come in and complete the work. Our agency personnel who worked so diligently to make this process successful did so in addition to all of their normal daily work responsibilities and assignments. Our team members worked around the clock to make certain that these important mergers were not only successful, but become model programs for other agencies throughout that state and country to copy.

Thank you to everyone involved in making this transition so successful! You continually rise to each and every challenge to make Brevard County a wonderful community to live, work and raise our families.

We would like to recognize the following employees with a special thanks and job well done:

Logistics Specialist Catherine Allen

IT Specialist Steven Anderson

Lieutenant Scott Armstrong

Vehicle Electronic Tech Matthew Barber

Major Bruce Barnett

Purchase Administrator Trish Bestwick

Mechanic I Steve Binikos

Accreditation Manager Enid Bourgault

Mechanic II Thomas Branam

Chief Lead Mechanic Keith Brown

Systems Engineer Eddy Buckhalt

Logistics Specialist Jim Burkett

Mechanic II David Caudill

Asst Communications Manager Hope Cunningham

Agent Troy Deavers

IT Specialist II Chris Dees

Mechanic II Terry Demele

Commander Michael DeMorat

Major Vic DeSantis

Logistics Operator Dana Doucette

Mechanic III Joseph Dugan

Deputy Timothy Eckner

Sergeant Stephen Feaster

Deputy David Fitch

Human Resources Officer Ronald Forknall

Mechanic I Robert Fox

Human Resources Manager Lisa Gillis

Training Coordinator Diane Giordano

Major Tod Goodyear

Systems Engineer Charles Gray

Corporal Todd Howard

Deputy John Jeffreys

Lieutenant Joseph Jenkins

Major Susan Jeter

Lieutenant Byron Keck

HR Support Specialist Ellen Kurdziel

Senior Budget Analyst Karen Loggins

Corporal Leon Maddox

Corporal Craig Mawn

Applications Support Analyst Julie McDonough

IT Specialist II Stephen McGovern

Mechanic I Jeremy McIntire

Mechanic III William McKinnon

Major John Mellick

Human Resources Officer Debbie Moody

Commander Alan Moros

Lieutenant Linda Moros

Systems Engineer William Morrison

Communications Manager Terry Myers

Reserve Sergeant Charlie Nash

Accountant II Yvonne Nicholas

Sergeant Darryl Osborne

Senior Staff Assistant Jean Palmer

Chief Financial Officer Greg Pelham

Accounting Manager Denise Postlethweight

Commander Greg Purden

Logistics Specialist David Raucci

Corporal Angel Ready

Agent Don Reynolds

Major Paul Ring

Support Specialist Judith Robinson

Human Resources Officer Sharon Sadutto

Director Stephen Salvo

Logistics Specialist Dolores Scott

Mrs. Rebecca Scott

COP Steve Shortridge

Agent Wayne Simock

Central Logistics Manager Ron Spangler

Corporal Victoria Sumlin

Vehicle Electronic Technician Mark Turner

IT Manager Robert Urie

IT Specialist Scot Votava

Major Andrew Walters

Corporal Samuel Walton

Human Resources Officer Connie Wilson

Media Specialist Katrina Wilson

Fleet Manager Mike Wimberly

Corporal Tracey Wisner

Lieutenant Thomas Young

LONGEVITY AWARDS

20 Years of Service

Leonard Alexander

Timothy Anliker

Sara Arnwine

Kimberly Benson

Michael Charest

Bert Gamin

Charles Gray

Kristopher Kellerup

David Madsen

James McClellan

Douglas McCarty

Marc McDilda

Tawnya Pack

Louis Pierce

Teresa Revel

Christopher Stahl

Mary Watkins

Leslie Woodruff-Hughley

25 Years of Service

Jeffrey Barton

Scott Behringer

Brenda Branham

Dennis Casey

Louann Creasy

Ray Dils

Stephen Feaster

Roy Foster

Steven Gjermo

Brian Guilford

William Hart

Christa Hathaway-Stout

Pamela Hibbs

Kraig Hupfer

Tracy Jeffreys

Tamara Mullican

Terry Myers

Donna Pope

Noel Remillard

Allie Roberts

Glenda Shortridge

Michael Wallace

Gary Wood

James Woolsey

30 Years of Service

Tola Baum

Russell Cockriel

Charles Mack

Pamela Rios

35 Years of Service

Barbara Carringer

John Coppola

Michael E. Homer

LIFE SAVING AWARDS

Deputy Johnathan Amick

Corrections Deputy Patrick Arquette

Deputy James Black

Deputy Sam Bruno

Agent Rick Clements

Corrections Deputy Shauna Dankins

Deputy Garret DeWind (2)

Sergeant James Haman

Deputy John “Jack” Hanigan

Deputy Tyler Harrell

Deputy Paul Hebb

Deputy Brittany Hewett

Deputy Justin Hope

Deputy John Hudgens

Sheriff Wayne Ivey

Deputy Miguel Melendez

Deputy Chad Massolini

Corporal Jamie McGowan

Deputy Lynn Ortiz

Deputy Mark Spencer

Deputy Joshua Strait

Deputy Thomas Walter

MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARDS

Agent Timothy Anliker

Corrections Deputy Patrick Arquette

Deputy David Bowes

Corporal Jason Brimm

Corrections Deputy Charlene Clasen

Lieutenant Robert Cullen

Deputy James Darville

Agent Stephen Dishong

Project Lifesaver Coordinator Joseph Downs

Deputy David Downey

Deputy Don Eggert

Agent Kristin Fettes

Corporal Sean Fontaine

Corrections Deputy Mickael Holt

Corrections Deputy Debra Hathcoat

Corporal Connie Hickman

Deputy Michael Hoffman

Agent Todd Holland

Corporal Jason Holloman

Agent Jessie Holton (2)

Communications Officer Peggy Human

Sheriff Wayne Ivey

Deputy Andrew Johnson

Agent Ethan Kersey

Deputy David Kolker

Agent Laura Leister

Corporal Jason Lewis

Corporal Brett Lockhart

Agent Laura Lytle

Corrections Deputy Bredgetta Lyons

Lieutenant Todd Maddox

Deputy Frankie Mays

Agent Marc McDilda (2)

Deputy Jamie McGowan

Deputy Mark Medley

Corporal Daila Ned-Mills

Corrections Deputy Carrie Newton

Lieutenant Tim Pemberton

Corporal Dominick Prisco

Commander Greg Purden

Agent Jason Roberts

Corporal Troy Robertson

Deputy Gerard Ryan

Food Services Crew Supervisor James Severson

Agent Aja Stake

Corrections Deputy Kathleen Stapf

Deputy Peter Stead

Agent Adam Steuerwald

Corporal Brian Stoll

Corporal David Scheuerer

Corporal Al Wells

Deputy Terry Worthy

Corrections Deputy Michael Wyman

Deputy Blake Underhill IT

Manager Robert Urie

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICERS OF THE MONTH

Our 911 Communications Officers are usually the first contact for our citizens in an emergency. They are trained to gather critical information as quickly as possible. They must be able to communicate with strength, clarity and compassion. They are the voice of help, support and relief for those with questions, concerns and fear.

January: Communications Officer Michelle Pace

Officer Pace was able to calm a witness to a burglary and obtain the information needed to guide the responding deputies to the suspect who was apprehended without further incident.

February: Assistant Shift Supervisor Lance Jackson

Officer Jackson created a scenario template for the new telecommunicator’s training program. Using this template, he created several scenarios, which were categorized by difficulty level to provide a step by step procedure to develop communication skills.

March: Communications Officer Nicole Tarbox

Officer Tarbox answered an emergency 911 call from a witness to a shooting who was following the suspect. During the call the suspect began shooting at the witness. She was able to remain on the telephone, keeping the witness calm, and direct responding deputies to intercept the location and apprehend the suspect.

April: Communications Officer Peggy Human

Officer Human received an emergency 911 call from a cellular telephone that only provided an area, not a specific location. She effectively coordinated information from CAD and West Melbourne Police officers to locate the caller, an 8-year-old child who had been left alone for approximately five days.

Officer Oliver was able to deter a possible violent outcome to a domestic violence call by remaining calm during her conversation with an intoxicated subject who was threatening to harm his wife. She was able to keep the subject occupied on the telephone while she directed the responding deputies

to the subject.

June: Communications Officer Nichole Bernhard

Officer Bernhard assisted in coordinating communications on a potential murder while simultaneously addressing a caller threatening suicide. All of this was in addition to coordinating the relay of information from multiple calls between law enforcement agencies in Orange and Brevard Counties who were investigating an in progress domestic dispute.

July: Shift Supervisor Lori Phetterplace

Officer Phetterplace answered an emergency 911 call where the individual advised they had just shot someone. Officer Phetterplace was able to build a rapport with the caller, keeping them calm and obtaining the information to keep the responding deputies safe upon arrival.

August: Communications Officer Monica Mahl

Officer Mahl coordinated the dispatch, interagency communication, emergency traffic and notification of STAR to assist in the investigation of an armed robbery.

September: Communications Officer Lisa Treinen

Officer Trienen coordinated communications between several municipal law enforcement agencies and STAR during a vehicle pursuit that traversed through multiple jurisdictions, lasting over 40 minutes.

October: Communications Officer Nicole Tarbox

Officer Tarbox handled all communications for a traffic stop where the violator attempted to run over the deputy. She seamlessly, checked the condition of the deputies, coordinated support unit response and countywide dispatch with South Tower talk groups to facilitate the search efforts of multiple law enforcement units and agencies.

November and December: Communications Officer Melanie Trimboli

Officer Trimboli is being recognized for her actions in two separate months. In November she coordinated dispatch, emergency traffic and information sharing between responding deputies that assisted in the successful conclusion of a theft incident where the suspect attempted to run down the responding deputy. In December, she handled a shooting incident with incredible coordination and professionalism.

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER OF THE YEAR

This year’s Communication’s Officer of the Year began the year as an Assistant Shift Supervisor and was promoted to Shift Supervisor. She also received a Commendable Service Bar and a Letter of Appreciation from the Awards Committee for her professionalism while dispatching an emergency 911 call from a subject stating he had been assaulted and had to shoot the suspect. Our recipient utilized her outstanding communication skills and quickly calmed the caller, forming a rapport with him. While keeping the caller calm, she was quickly obtained the names of the subjects and detailed circumstances of the event. She was also able to monitor the location of the firearm involved, ensuring the safety of the responding deputies.

Additionally, she donates her time and supplies for civic functions throughout the year. She is

proudly known as clown “Phetty Rocker,” working functions such as Cocoa Beach’s annual,” National Night Out”. She appears throughout year at their various not-for-profit events, charities and local churches.

This year’s recipient is committed to excellence and possesses a sincere desire to serve our citizens and the entire law enforcement community.

We are proud to recognize Lori Phetterplace as the 2014 Communications Officer of the Year.

EMPLOYEES OF THE MONTH

Our civilians are the lifeblood of the organization, the employees who make our incredible agency so efficient and effective! It is with great appreciation I share some of their incredible accomplishments and contributions.

January: Booking Technician James Sexton

Due to his attention to detail, Technician Sexton averted the release of an inmate who had additional warrants. He was able to advise supervision of a potential release and the appropriate action was taken ending a situation that could have led to a wanted person being released back into the community.

February: Corrections Technician Christina Anderson

While working in the Control Room, Technician Anderson observed suspicious activity in a lower cellblock. She immediately alerted personnel who responded to the area and located several inmates using the area to conceal their use of contraband.

March: Corrections Technician Bridgette Tomlin

Technician Tomlin observed an incident where an inmate violently assaulted two Corrections deputies. The deputies were unable to summon assistance and were it not for Technician Tomlin’s observation and quick response by alerting other deputies to assist, serious injuries may have occurred.

April: Lead Worker Kurt Kolzcynski

Supervising Inmate labor crews, Lead Worker Kolzcynski oversaw the building of a boat dock, constructed the targets for the annual Speedy Dewitt Challenge and created the target racks and a shelter for the Police Academy.

May: Corrections Technician Steven Banks

Supervising Inmate labor crews, Lead Worker Kolzcynski oversaw the building of a boat dock, constructed the targets for the annual Speedy Dewitt Challenge and created the target racks and a shelter for the Police Academy.

June: Senior Staff Assistant Brenda Krieger

During 2014, several civilian positions were vacant at East Precinct. Senior Staff Assistant Krieger took on the additional duties of these positions along with her own, making sure the precinct continued to function effectively. In addition, she volunteered in coordinating training classes that would not have been successful without her efforts.

July: Analytical Support Specialist Shelley Nettles

Analyst Nettles used her analytical skills, searching multiple databases and social media sites to connect a murder suspect to known associates. Her search eventually led agents to an obscure relative of the suspect that lived out of state. Task Force members were then able to locate the violent suspect and arrest him for the murder.

Each was an integral part of the Community Services Unit that was selected from nominations received throughout the State of Florida as the Crime Prevention Unit of the Year for 2014. This award recognizes the special efforts and exceptional accomplishments performed by our agency’s Crime Prevention Unit.

Advocate Lindo-Charlemangne and PSA Balak assisted a homeless mother and her children with services that are enabling them to get back on their feet. They took extra time to secure lodging, food, the donation of bicycles, along with making sure that extended services were available to this family from available charities in the county.

October: IT Manager Bob Urie

Manager Urie has improved technological capabilities, email and wireless internet communication, bolstered customer service from the IT department and is the leading force in improving the overall technology advancement of our agency.

These employees dedicated many hours to the success of the 2nd annual Jailbreak Adventure Race, which benefited the Children’s Advocacy Center, United Way and BCSO Pet Posse with over $50,000 in contributions.

The actions of these Crew Supervisors during a violent encounter between two inmates, by controlling other inmates, effectively contained the situation and minimized the potential for serious injury.

EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

Since joining the agency in October of 2013, this year’s recipient has displayed a sincere commitment to customer service, excellence in technical knowledge and advancement, a dedicated work ethic as well as the leadership skills to manage multiple projects to “get the job done.”

Under our recipient’s direction, the Information Technology Unit has been able to accomplish major agency upgrades and complete a host of projects, which not only increased efficiency, but also resulted in significant financial savings to our citizens. He has also done an exceptional job in building partnerships between the various law enforcement agencies throughout the county and is currently the Chairperson of the Brevard County Information Technology Users Group.

One of the most essential and challenging projects facing our agency, was to the identify, research and present a solution for our agency to transition from our current Report Management, Jail Management and CAD systems to a new integrated System. While our current system has served our agency for the past 25 years, our current needs have far exceeded its capabilities. A tremendous amount of work was done by many agency members over the past 20 months, taking the steps necessary to make this goal a reality. Once finished, the new system will immediately connect our agency with the majority of the local law enforcement agencies in our county, while also creating efficiency and effectiveness.

As a result of his sincere commitment to agency customer service, dedicated work ethic and his ability to successfully manage multiple large scale projects, I am proud to introduce Manager Robert Urie as our 2014 Civilian Employee of the Year.

CORRECTIONS DEPUTIES OF THE MONTH

The many men and women who are charged with inmate population control rarely get the recognition they deserve. It is rewarding on events such as tonight where we can recognize their thankless and dangerous efforts.

January: Corrections Deputy Debra Hathcoat

Deputy Hathcoat observed an inmate who was attempting to escape by concealing himself in furniture. A potentially dangerous incident was averted and a mechanical failure of the cell door was identified and corrected.

February: Corrections Deputy Reginald Mitchell

Deputy Mitchell received and followed up on information that thwarted the introduction of Morphine into the jail facility.

March: Corrections Deputy Patrick Arquette

Deputy Arquette and his K9 partner “Earle,” excelled in two separate incidents, located missing endangered persons, one being a child, who was found from a track starting from the child’s last known location.

Corporal Wood and Deputy Spencer were requested to respond with their bloodhounds to assist Osceola County in the search for a suicidal male. Searching the remote area, they were able to locate the male who was turned over to members of the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office where he received assistance for his emotional distress.

August: Corrections Deputy Timothy Harris

Deputy Harris located and confiscated a significant amount of contraband, hidden on an inmate he was being processed, thus preventing it from being introduced into the jail facility.

September: Corrections Deputy Ronald Collins

Corrections Deputy Collins’ attention to detail and investigative skills identified over a dozen inmates wanted on active felony warrants. These identifications prevented potentially dangerous criminals from being released back into the community.

Alerted to a potential problem, these deputies entered the cell block noticing that an inmate had blocked his cell door and covered his window in an attempt to conceal as he cut himself with a sharp object. The deputies were able to force the door open, disarm the inmate and stop a potentially life threatening event.

November: Corrections Deputy Patrick Arquette

Deputy Arquette and his K9 partner assisted in locating a suicidal male who was critically injured. Deputy Arquette assisted with medical treatment, stabilizing his condition until the arrival of medical personnel.

December: Corrections Deputy Starr Zinsmeister

Deputy Zinsmeister detected the odor of something burning in the jail facility. Further investigation revealed that one of the industrial dryers was smoldering with a load of towels. While attempting to remove the towels, they burst into flames. Deputy Zinsmeister was able to put out the fire before it could spread, where it could have potentially destroyed the entire laundry facility and thousands of dollars in equipment, forcing a partial evacuation of the facility.

CORRECTIONS DEPUTY OF THE YEAR

This year’s recipient was called to assist patrol deputies on Kennedy Space Center property to investigate an abandoned vehicle. The family of the vehicle’s owner said they had not heard from individual in several days. Our recipient began tracking off road, where unfortunately he found the victim deceased from a self-inflicted injury.

Later in 2014, he was contacted and asked to respond and assist Rockledge Police officers with a search for an 84-year-old man who was considered severely depressed. Our recipient and his K9 partner tracked through a gated community to a pool bathroom where they located the man. They then discovered that he had critically wounded himself. The officers leapt into action, providing first aid for a very severe self-inflicted knife wound. Without the assistance

of our Corrections Deputy of the Year and his K9 partner, it is very likely that the search for the missing man would have taken significantly longer. The amount of time saved by the quick work of the bloodhound team undoubtedly contributed to the fact that the man survived this unfortunate incident.

As if helping to save an elderly and despondent member of our community wasn’t enough, later that same day, he was asked to respond to another serious situation. An 11-year-old girl was reported missing. Although there was no last known direction of travel, this deputy and his partner began tracking through the neighborhood; eventually tracking to a location where the bloodhound circled around and sat next to the missing child. The child was then returned safely to her grateful family.

Although our selectee had obviously realized his wish of using his skills to help save lives, fate was not finished with him. During September, this year’s winner and his K9 partner met with Rockledge Police officers who asked that an “investigative track” be run to link carjacking suspects and the stolen car. Using the scent and not knowing the current location of the suspect, our selectee and his partner began the track. This track took them through Rockledge neighborhoods and eventually over a mile from their starting point. The track led directly to the suspect, where the K-9 sat at the suspect’s feet indicating a positive identification.

This year’s winner has been a proud member of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office since January 2008. His responsibilities as a member of the Brevard County Jail Complex’s K9/Bloodhound Unit has given him the opportunity to realize his dream to save lives, help his fellow law enforcement officers and make a difference in his community.

I am proud to announce Corrections Deputy Patrick Arquette as our 2014 Corrections Deputy of the Year. Deputy Arquette was additionally chosen as the 2014 Florida Sheriff’s Association Corrections Deputy of the Year for the state of Florida.

DEPUTIES OF THE MONTH

As you will see the efforts of these deputies and agents are truly extraordinary and many times they have risked their own safety to save the lives of another or protect a person or their property from being victimized.

January: Lieutenant Tim Pemberton

While attending a Little League baseball game off-duty, Lieutenant Pemberton successfully disarmed a violent, emotionally distraught man who intended to harm himself.

The quick reactions of these court deputies and supervisors made sure all civilian visitors and judicial personnel remained safe from harm, while at the same time securing the facility and monitoring the movements of an emotionally distraught gunman until the arrival of SWAT.

March: Deputy David Kolker and Deputy Frankie Mays

These deputies identified, controlled and safely took into custody an armed individual who was intent on harming his girlfriend.

April: Deputy David Bowes and Corporal Brian Stoll

These deputies uncovered a drug trafficking operation that led to the arrest of three persons for the possession of cocaine and trafficking in Ecstasy.

May: Deputy Chelsea Holliday

Using her investigative ability and available resources, Deputy Holliday was able to locate a woman who had been missing for over a year and reunite her with her family.

June: Deputy Paul Hebb

Deputy Hebb saved the life of a suicidal male who had hanged himself. Deputy Hebb was unable to remove the tightened knot by hand and carefully cut away the noose from the man’s neck.

July: Agent Rick Clements

Agent Clements saved the life of an accident victim by using a roll of trauma gauze to pack the wound and secured a tourniquet to the arm to slow the loss of blood until the arrival of medical personnel. Agent Clements was also recognized by the Melbourne City Council resolution for this incident.

Additionally, on Christmas day, the Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting incident where a man shot at least nine times into his family’s residence as they celebrated the holiday. The suspect threatened to return and

further harm his family and any law enforcement officer that may stop him. As a member of the GameOver Task Force, Agent Clements located the subject and challenged him in an effort to detain him before he could arm himself. The subject ran into a residence where he picked up a firearm. Agent Clements directed him to drop the weapon, at which time the subject pointed the handgun in the direction of Agent Clements who was forced to respond to the threat with deadly force.

August: Deputy Tyler Harrell

Deputy Harrell saved the life of a suicidal male who had cut his arm with a knife by applying a tourniquet and trauma bandage to the wound, which stabilized the male until the arrival of medical personnel.

September: Agent Todd Holland

Agent Holland led a multi-agency investigation into a statewide theft ring that ended up lasting over 18 months and identified 40 suspects who had stolen products valued at over $1 million dollars.

October: Agents Tim Anliker and Laura Leister

These agents conducted an investigation into a money laundering scheme where a total of over $18 million dollars was taken from more than 180 victims. They coordinated travel for many of victims to speak in front of the judge during the sentencing hearing and are helping to recover the stolen life savings for many of the victims.

November: Agent Aja Stake

Agent Stake conducted a sexual assault investigation that through her efforts prevented two innocent victims who were falsely accused by an alleged victim from being prosecuted for crimes they did not commit.

December: Agent Jessie Holton

While off-duty, Agent Holton interrupted a string of vehicle burglaries in his neighborhood and chased the suspect who violently confronted Agent Holton. Agent Holton relied upon his training and experience to respond to the threat with deadly force.

DEPUTY OF THE YEAR

Our 2014 Deputy of the Year was a decorated member of the United States Air Force before joining the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office in 2006. He has continued to strive for excellence and his personnel file is filled with letters and certificates of commendation.

In 2011, as Corporal he interviewed for a position within Criminal Investigative Services and soon after became an Agent investigating narcotics and vice crimes. In 2012, as an Agent he was selected for the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team. His talents were quickly recognized and he was selected to join the agency’s elite Tactical Team. In 2013, Agent he was selected for a position on a unique multi-agency task force that targets gangs and violent offenders, known as the GAMEOVER Task Force.

In July, this year’s recipient observed a vehicle crash that appeared to have serious injuries. As our recipient made his way through the wreckage he observed an elderly male victim slumped over. As he climbed in and evaluated the injuries he observed the victim’s arm was partially amputated, which was resulting in a significant loss of blood. Our recipient used a roll of trauma gauze to pack and cover the wound and then applied a tourniquet to the upper arm of the victim to slow the blood loss.

When fire rescue personnel arrived, they found our recipient calmly speaking with victim to prevent shock. They additionally discovered the tourniquet was applied to the critical wound so expertly, that they decided to leave it in place. The trauma physician at the hospital credited the expert application and efforts with saving the victim’s life, and without it, the victim would have surely bled to death.

Timing is everything, and in this particular incident, our Deputy of the Year had received first-aid training to include the use and assignment of a tourniquet for critical injury response just days prior.

On Christmas Day, deputies responded to a shooting where a man had become involved in an argument with his family and shot at least nine times into the residence at his family, to include a 2-year-old

as they celebrated the Holiday. Deputies made telephone contact with the suspect who was very emotional, threatened to return and harm his family and advised that he would harm any officer who may stop him. A warrant was obtained for the suspect and the GAVEOVER Task Force was contacted to locate and arrest the suspect before anyone was harmed.

Your Deputy of the Year was the first to respond to a location where the suspect was believed to be hiding. As you recipient established a perimeter while the other members of his elite team responded, he observed the suspect outside an apartment wearing clothing that could not conceal a firearm. Your recipient moved into a position to challenge the individual before he could arm himself. Unfortunately, the suspect took flight, entered an apartment with your recipient chasing closely behind and picked up a handgun. Your recipient ordered the suspect to drop the weapon, the suspect then pointed the gun towards his head and as the deputy tried to talk him into dropping the firearm, he lowered the weapon and manipulated the weapon to load it, pointing it in the direction of the deputy. Your recipient was forced to respond to the armed threat with deadly force.

It is my pleasure at this time to recognize this exceptional Deputy Sheriff by presenting him with the Medal of Valor and introducing Agent Rick Clements as your 2014 Deputy of the Year.

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